The Old Crown Round

The Old Crown Round

The Old Crown Round is an established fell race that starts and finishes on the Village Green in Hesket Newmarket. The event follows a loop across the higher summits of the Northern Fells in the Lake District. Participants navigate a variety of surfaces, including road, track, paths, open fields, and remote open fell.

• 36 km / 22.4 miles with 2200 m of climb.

The race is categorized as an AL (Long A) event by the Fell Runners Association. It is a self-navigated course where participants must visit several compulsory checkpoints. These locations include the summits of Carrock Fell, Blencathra, Skiddaw House, Skiddaw summit, Knott, and High Pike. Due to the remote nature of the course and the potential for poor weather conditions, runners must be confident in their navigational skills on open fells.

Participants are required to carry mandatory safety equipment, consisting of a waterproof whole-body cover with taped seams, hat, gloves, a physical map of the route, a traditional compass, a whistle, and emergency food. The use of GPS devices or electronic compasses for navigation is strictly prohibited.

The event utilizes a cut-off at Carrock Fell. Runners who do not reach this point within 70 minutes are offered an alternative lower-level route that avoids the highest summits. The minimum age for entry is 18 years old. Facilities at the start and finish in Hesket Newmarket include car parking in a nearby field and a local shop and playground. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.